UK Judge Sentences Man for Hate Speech Against Immigrants

UK Judge Sentences Man for Inciting Violence and Racial Hatred Online

On August 6, 2024, at Leeds Crown Court, Judge Guy Kearl KC sentenced 28‑year‑old Jordan Parlour to 20 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour to stir up racial hatred online. Parlour had posted messages on Facebook encouraging people to target a hotel in Leeds that housed more than 200 refugees and asylum seekers.

During sentencing, Judge Kearl said that Parlour’s posts included the statement that he did not want his money going to immigrants who “rape our kids and get priority.” The judge told the court that Parlour’s messages were made in the context of frustration over immigration levels and that they had the potential to incite violence against people in the hotel and others associated with it.

Judge Kearl said the offence was “so serious that an immediate custodial sentence is unavoidable” and noted that the sentence had been reduced by one‑third to reflect Parlour’s guilty plea. Parlour did not participate in the physical violence but was judged to have encouraged others to act.

Legal commentators said the case illustrates the UK’s enforcement of laws against inciting racial hatred and threatening behaviour online. Some civil liberties advocates have discussed the implications for freedom of speech, while authorities have emphasised protections against incitement to violence.